Public-service unions have not given notice of their intention to strike indefinitely from June 1, the government said on Tuesday.
”We’re preparing for [demonstrations on] May 25, but we haven’t received any formal notice for June 1,” said chief negotiator Kenny Govender.
Congress of South African Trade Unions spokesperson Patrick Craven believed most unions had given notice, and those that had not would do so on Wednesday.
South African Democratic Teachers’ Union general secretary Thulas Nxesi told a media briefing last week: ”We are talking about indefinite action — not a symbolic strike for a day or two.”
Govender said while there were no formal meetings ”at this stage”, bilateral discussions were still going on.
Public Service and Administration Minister Geraldine Fraser-Moleketi said the government wanted to resolve the current stand-off over wages with unions in a non-confrontational manner.
She told MPs in the National Assembly that the government was still open to collective bargaining and resolving the matter in a way that excluded industrial action if possible.
She acknowledged the constitutional right of all workers to unionisation and to engage in industrial action, especially those not rendering essential services.
The need for an inflation-related increase that preserved the buying power of public servants was also recognised.
The government’s offer was 6% — above CPIX inflation at this point. Unions wanted 12%.
The comprehensive package currently on the table also included an occupation-specific dispensation for health workers and legal professionals.
”This can and should be expanded to educational, warders, and social workers, which will cover … 80% of the public service,” she said.
Occupation-specific dispensations also meant consideration was being given to providing market-related salaries to certain categories of workers.
The package further took into account allowances, such as danger and night allowances, which would increase by 25%.
In addition, medical subsidies for members of the government service medical aid scheme were to be improved.
The government was also looking at aligning the public service with the Basic Conditions of Employment Act, which would mean workers would receive time-and-a-half pay on Sundays and double-time on public holidays. – Sapa